Terrible hatch rates!!! Please help

[Vonchmessica]

So I’ve incubated around 4 lots of eggs now. And every time I get less than a third that hatch. I’ve put a thermometer in my incubator to make sure the temperature is 37.5 which it seems to be. The humidity is either really high or too low. It seems to be on either extreme, but it’s generally higher than 60. Sometimes the chicks (which are quail) seem to have problems with their bellies. And when I have opened up dead eggs the chicks seem to have bellies that haven’t closed up. Is this something with the heat not being consistent and the chicks not developing properly? I candle the eggs and they all seem to develop fully but then don’t hatch. Half pip but then don’t zip. I’ve been extra strict about not opening the incubator too during lockdown, but it doesn’t seem to make a difference. Any thoughts?

 

[mandelyn]

It's likely the humidity. What kind of incubator are you using? How is it set up to take water for the humidity? You might try getting a humidity pump to regulate it for you.

 

[Mosey2003]

We need much more information, otherwise all we can say is, "Yes, fluctuating temps and humidity are problems and will kill chicks."

Brand and model of incubator?
Type of thermometer(s) being used? Have you calibrated it/them?
How long were the eggs stored before incubation? Were they turned during storage?

The yolk sack (bellies) is the last thing to fully absorb, finishing up as they're hatching. The ones you're cracking and seeing it are likely just less developed. Humidity over 60% for too long can cause them to nearly make it to hatch and then die, seemingly for no reason. I struggled with this heartily as I'm a member of a group that all has success incubating at 65% straight through. I finally had to give it up and keep it to the standard 50-55%.